Christmas in London

London is a hive of activity during the Christmas period, and there are loads of things to do during Christmas in London to keep both children and adults happy.

Ice Skating has become a festive favourite in London, with many of the city?s favourite landmarks installing their own ice rinks. The nearest to our Chelsea serviced apartments is the ice rink at the Natural History Museum in South Kensington, or by the London Eye on the South Bank. Other festive season ice rinks around the city include, Exchange Square (Moorgate), Canary Wharf, Winter Wonderland (Hyde Park), Somerset House, the Tower of London, Westfield Shopping Centre (Shepherds Bush), Winterville (South Hackney), Hampton Court, Wembley Park (in the shadow of Wembley Stadium), and JW3 (Finchley Road, near Swiss Cottage).

There are lots of Santa?s Grottos around London where children can visit Father Christmas. The Grotto in Duke Of York Square is right on the doorstep of our Chelsea apartments, as is the one at Harrods. There are others at the Royal Albert Hall (also close by), Kew Gardens, Westfield, and College Lodge in Dulwich. Santa?s Grotto at London Zoo is the nearest to our Marylebone serviced apartments, and if the weather is nice, you can walk to it across Regent?s Park.

London also has lots of Christmas markets, to help you with special gifts for those ?hard to buy for? friends. Our favourites are the ones at the Barbican, Belgravia, Mayfair Place, Regent Hall (Oxford Street), London Bridge, Foyles (Charing Cross), and the Cockpit Arms in Holborn. If you?re staying in our Marylebone apartments, try the Monocle Christmas market, just a couple of minutes walk away.

Another favourite for children is London?s Christmas lights. The ones we recommend are dotted around the city, and of course include the world famous ones on Regent Street. But, check out the gorgeous festive lights on nearby Bond Street and Oxford Street, as well the ones in Convent Garden. Also worth seeing if you?re nearby, are the Royal Exchange, the Strand, Islington and Kingston.